Back pain is a general term that refers to any kind of pain or discomfort felt in the back. Back pain is the fifth most common reason that people visit their doctors, and affects nearly four in five people through their life time.

Back pain can be localised to different parts of the spine and the nearby muscles, and can also be distinguished by how long the pain has been present. An episode of back pain that lasts for less than six weeks is called Acute Back Pain. Pain that lasts longer than six weeks but less than twelve is called Sub-Acute Back Pain, and pain that lasts longer than twelve weeks is called Chronic Back Pain.

Back pain of any kind can be caused by a number of factors, given the complex anatomy of the spine and surrounding muscles, ligaments, nerves and other bones. Because of this, back pain can be referred to as a bio-mechanical problem. Pain can arise due to muscular, bony, disc, or neurological causes to name a few, and diagnosis of back pain may be affected by the length of time you have been experiencing the pain.

Back Pain can be further complicated by physical factors like weakness or stiffness, practical factors like your work environment, and fear surrounding treatment and progression of the pain.

Management of Back Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes during the day, what makes it better and worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing that pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step toward managing and minimising any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Back Pain, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain-free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future.

At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.